Decibels at Home: Surprising Sounds That Can Harm Your Hearing
Decibels (dB) measure the intensity of sound. Anything above 85 dB can begin to damage hearing with prolonged or repeated exposure. The louder the sound, the less time it takes to cause harm. For example, close exposure to noise above 120 dB can cause immediate damage to your hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss is often permanent,…
Can You Use Headphones With Hearing Aids?
Using headphones while wearing hearing aids might seem tricky or even impossible at first glance. However, many people with hearing aids do enjoy music, podcasts and phone calls through various headphone setups. Nearly 28.8 million Americans could benefit from using hearing aids; the key to success lies in choosing the right combination and understanding how…
Feedback Cancellation and Modern Hearing Aids
Previously, a common complaint among hearing aid users was the presence of feedback, or high-pitched whistling noises. This issue could occur during conversations, when hugging someone or even while wearing a hat. Nearly 28.8 million Americans could benefit from using hearing aids. For those people, most hearing aids are now equipped with feedback cancellation systems…
Group Activities that Work Well for Hearing Aid Users
Staying socially active is key for emotional well-being, especially for those with hearing loss. However, group settings can sometimes be challenging for hearing aid users due to background noise, overlapping conversations or poor acoustics. With a little planning, many group activities can be enjoyable and accessible for people who wear hearing aids. Ideal Group Activities…
Are You Enabling a Loved One’s Hearing Loss
When someone you love begins to struggle with hearing loss, it’s natural to want to help. You may find yourself repeating things or stepping in to manage conversations on their behalf. While these actions come from a place of care, they can sometimes allow the problem to go unaddressed. Hearing loss is common, with nearly…
Does My Sleeping Position Affect My Ear and Hearing Health?
When we think about ear health, we often focus on things like hearing, noise exposure or infections. But your sleeping position can also have a surprising effect on the comfort of your ears. From ear pain to hearing aid maintenance, how you sleep may play a bigger role than you realize. How Sleeping Impacts Your…
Can Hearing Loss Affect My Ability to Drive
If you or a loved one has hearing loss, you may be wondering how that impacts the ability to drive. While hearing is an important sense for driving, many people with hearing loss continue to drive without issue by ensuring they stay aware of their surroundings. How Hearing Loss Affects Driving Despite driving being a…
Will Warmer Weather Impact My Hearing Aid Performance?
As spring and summer near, hearing aid users may wonder how increased temperatures and humidity may affect their devices. Nearly 28.8 million people could benefit from using hearing aids. Warmer weather can present some challenges for hearing aids, but with proper care, they can still function at their best. How Warm Weather Affects Hearing Aids…
Is Your Home Too Loud? Everyday Noises That Could Be Hurting Your Hearing
Harmful noise levels can exist anywhere, including inside your own home. Understanding how noise impacts your hearing and recognizing potentially harmful sounds in your environment is the first step toward preventing hearing loss and protecting your hearing health. How Hearing Loss Works Hearing loss occurs when the delicate hair cells in the inner ear responsible…
Four Signs It’s Time for an Audiology Appointment
Scheduling a doctor’s appointment isn’t usually something people look forward to, but regular check-ups are an essential part of staying healthy. Most people make it a priority to visit the dentist twice a year and have an annual eye exam, yet they often overlook audiology appointments. Just like dental and vision care, hearing health plays…